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yes - all normal. Since the change in diet our hormones have changed too. And I notice this is with me too. My therapist and I are working on why these things are bothering me more. Sorry - try to identify these moments and what is the root cause. Then you can start to learn what is the best solution to overcome them. One more note - since before surgery I was taking anti-depressants. I upped the amount during right before sugery till about 6 months post surgery. I am now at 1 year and notice I can drop back to my normal dosage. Maybe you should talk to your doctor about some anti-anxiety type medications.

hi.... yes, I have had major hair loss. I have been taking biotine since 2 months but that does not seem to be helping me. Right now, I target 80-100 g of Protein and my hair is still coming. I have a theory.... the first hair loss starts at 3 months then a second hair loss comes around 9-10 months. I am now in the second hair loss. I really hope this is limited to two times. In talking with friends, they have the same issues. So crossing fingers I will see some new hair growth soon.

Hi CA Folks.... The SF Bay Area meetup is planning a walk across the new SF Bay Bridge April 2. Please join if you can. http://www.meetup.com/SF-WLS-Group/ Join our group and I will post the walk details in the next few days.

So here is what I do... I lie..... Flat out lie. I say I have a special diet due to food allergies. Everyone seems to be more accepting of food allergies than " I am watching what I eat." Since many of my co-workers are vegan, or vegetarians, it's not a problem when I say food allergies. So I thank them for the food and just pick what works best for me. Really - after the first time, no one even questions anymore. I know its really hard.. be strong.

Hello - I recently read this article. Not a fan of the title or the Youtube video but I get it. In fact, a lot of her advice resonates with me. I hope you find it useful too. http://www.besttechie.com/2015/09/07/im-fat-so-what-dont-judge-my-butt/

@@Shainadelphia - I think everyone one of us has felt this way. I do every time my co-workers invite me to lunch together. I have learned to take the best bite first and then just enjoy each others company. Now... don't think I do not go home and feel sorry for myself but then I look at my morning weigh in (140+ pounds lost) and say, its ok. It is worth it.....

What a GREAT project.... gets me thinking about my regrets. But also - now that I have "do over", I am turning it around and making my regrets my goals and plans... Run 5 k - did it!!! Climb HalfDome at Yosemite - plan is this June. Have a hiking vacation instead of a sit by the pool vacation. What are your plans now??

@@Mega_100 - I started with a provider from my insurance too. Unfortunately, I found them giving me wrong information according to my surgeon so that was concerning to me. I talked to my therapist and we do a payment plan that works for me and my finances. Don't be afraid to ask them to get started. For instance, my therapist has a monthly support group too... and that is on 15$ a session....and its crazy helpful.

@@Mega_100 - during the prework for surgery, we had to meet with a therapist. From this list I found my therapist. I really feel you need someone who is aware of the surgery and its outcomes.

@@EP8 - I waited 6 weeks before back to my pilates routine and weights but I was at the gym at 1 week on the treadmill and at 3 weeks I was on the bike and elliptical (slowly).

Yes this has helped.... The support group is my local OA Meeting. I live in California - I go to a meeting based in San Mateo. I appreciate that we all have different stories but the feelings and emotions around food are the same. If you want to ever talk it out - let me know. I have a phone network that helps too!!! I looked into some online resources and I was not finding a good connection there. Although - Nik from Bariatric Foodie has been great too. She has a call that I really connect with. If you need more infor or just someone to talk, let me know. Just message me.

Happy day everyone! I went show dhopping and it seems my feet are smaller....size 10 to size 9. Really, i had that much fat in my feet? Anyone else?

Here is my advice.....feeling scared in normal. First time I dumped was CRAZY scary.....but you will make it out the other side... I promise. 1) no wrong choices... remind yourself, you are just learning. And what happens if you make a wrong choice? 1) get sick - ok, that is manageable 2) the food goes down and you need to see how you feel after you eat = learning.... 2) take a moment to show confidence. You have read the materials - you know the calorie targets. You have got this. Think of it like a puzzle... you have to just find the right solution for the puzzle. 3) don't be afraid to ask us for opinions. At soft food stage for me, I ate eggs, tuna and avocado ad Protein shakes. I definitely took my time adding in more foods. My food was set for like a full week.....Got tired of it but it worked. You will start to build up as you learn your sleeve likes and dislikes.

I have a weird one but it totally works for me...... Take a bath. In the bath cut up 6 lemons and squeeze in the lemon juice into the bath. I also add epson salts. Then use the lemons and scrub your sinuses. Chest, face, neck, under arms (lymph nodes). Get out of the bath. Before you dry off... drink a full 8 oz of Water (does not have to be cold water). Now - watch out,,,, you might feel nausous. Then dry off and go to bed.... Next morning, I feel so much better!!!!

Banana make me CRAZY Full fast... so be careful. I had luck early on with melons - honeydew and cantaloupe. But my early time was season for them. Another one that works for me is grapes. I had to watch the skins but the big ones in half and chew good...

How fun for you... Did you tell your daughter? I got a large sweats from Old navy and my kid took them out of the laundry and complained they stretched out.... Ooops... they are mine

I am at 11 months.... have not done beer since carbonation worries me. I got for the gin and Water or a shot on the rocks. Less calories than beer and not worried about the bubbles. And yes, I miss my champagne lots!!!!

@@libby43 - one note. Regarding you B - I wonder if instead of a B12 you should look at a B Complex. Remember - there are more Bs to consider than 12. I take a B Complex instead of just B12. Also - don't be afraid to ask for cholesterol test again. Sometimes, you might have a false reading. What was your cholesterol before surgery - have we gone up? down? stayed the same? These things matter too. and yes - talk to you doctor.....

Sorry but you are correct - this is normal. My first 6 months were SO BAD - I thought I was going to DIE!!!! But now at 7-8 months, the world is better. I am back to my 2-3 days normal (no more crazy heavy bleeding). Sorry to say - be patient. It gets better.

@@Marie2016 - same with me.... I have been seeing a therapist to figure out what are my triggers for eating compulsively. I think anyone who has this surgery can benefit from looking at how to got this way before surgery. I also started to participate in a compulsive eating support group. This has helped me a lot. Its similiar to 12 steps and I find a good connection here.

After a two weeks from traveling.... but still down.. YEAH!!! weigh in 212!

Bread- but daves killer bread (1/2) seems to be ok lately. All lettuce, spinach and cabbage. Refried Beans - garbanzo and white kidney are ok

Keep trying.... It gets easier. Also- Water down your Protein shake - it might go down easier. I also madem protein pudding - that went down easier too. I sugar free pudding (small box) and two vanilla Protein shakes. I use pure protein or Premier Protein. Then mix like normal and the pudding is nice and smooth. This recipe is from world according to eggface.

My recommendation - Protein dairy case: String cheese, Cottage cheese, Nonfat greek yogurt, laughing cow cheese. Grocery: Tuna,, Avocado, Jerky, Deli counter- rTurkey lunch meat, chicken, steak, ham and fish-I get whatever is already cooked in the deli section. Shrimp -i buy the kits for shrimpcocktail. Freezer - grilled fish (gortons) , frozen meatballs (turkey or beef) Hope this helps.

I've lost 140 pounds too! I think my face looks great except for some extra wrinkles on my neck and when I add lots of lotion it seems to be better. So my recommendation moisturizer or lotion every day maybe even twice a day.